Professional photographers recommend five standout 24-105mm lenses in 2025. Canon dominates with their RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM offering five-stop stabilization and constant aperture. The EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM provides excellent weather sealing with improved peripheral brightness. Canon’s RF24-105mm F4-7.1 delivers impressive value with 0.5x macro capabilities. The Canon 344B006 (renewed) offers professional quality at reduced cost. The original EF 24-105mm f/4L rounds out the selection with reliable performance. Further analysis reveals important distinctions between these versatile options.
Key Takeaways
- Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L tops professional photographers’ lists with its five-stop stabilization and consistent aperture throughout the zoom range.
- The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II remains a favorite for DSLR users with improved peripheral brightness and reliable weather sealing.
- Canon RF24-105mm F4-7.1 offers excellent value with 0.5x macro capabilities and lightweight design ideal for travel photography.
- The Canon 344B006 provides professional quality at half the price of newer models, making it a budget-friendly choice.
- Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L USM continues to deliver tack-sharp images with excellent contrast thanks to its Super UD element.
Canon 344B006 EF 24-105mm f/4.0 L is USM Lens (Renewed)
- Image stabilised ultrasonic motor (USM) makes for silent and reliable operation; Lets you focus right down to 45 cm/1.5 feet
- Switch between autofocus and manual operation
- Comes with 1 year manufacturer's warranty
The Canon 344B006 EF 24-105mm f/4.0 L USM lens, available in renewed condition, represents a premium choice for photography enthusiasts seeking professional-grade optics at a more accessible price point. This image-stabilized lens delivers silent operation through its ultrasonic motor, focuses as close as 45 cm, and accommodates 77 mm filters.
Renewed units typically arrive in near-new condition with professional packaging, offering approximately half the cost of new equivalents while maintaining exceptional performance. Users report crisp images, fast autofocus, and versatility for landscapes, family portraits, and small group photography. Occasional quality concerns include missing red stripes or autofocus noise, though most units perform identically to new versions. Weather sealing and solid construction make this an excellent option for budding photographers and professionals seeking value.
Best For: Photography enthusiasts seeking a professional-grade, versatile lens with image stabilization at a more affordable price point than buying new.
Pros:
- Offers excellent value at approximately half the price of a new lens while delivering comparable image quality and performance
- Features silent operation with fast, accurate autofocus and image stabilization for sharp photos in various conditions
- Weather-sealed construction with versatile 24-105mm focal range makes it suitable for landscapes, portraits, and small group photography
Cons:
- Some renewed units may have cosmetic imperfections such as missing red stripes or minor scratches on the lens hood
- Occasional reports of autofocus issues including louder operation or struggles to focus properly
- Quality control varies between units, with some customers receiving items in less than “like new” condition
Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens (Renewed)
- Bundle Items Includes: 1 x Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens, 1 x 77mm 3 Piece Filter Kit, 1 x Pro Sling Backpack, 1 x SanDisk 64GB Ultra SDXC Memory Card, 1 x Memory...
- Prized for its versatility, the RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM from Canon is a wide-angle to short telephoto zoom characterized by its constant f/4 maximum aperture. Ideal for...
- Benefitting image quality, the advanced optical design features a Super Spectra Coating, which helps to suppress ghosting and flare in order to improve contrast and color...
Professional Canon RF-mount users seeking versatility without compromising image quality will find exceptional value in this renewed 24-105mm f/4L lens, which delivers consistent performance across its entire zoom range. This RF-mount version maintains the constant f/4 aperture throughout its focal length, while its five-stop image stabilization system guarantees sharp handheld shots even in challenging lighting conditions. Compatibility extends across Canon’s mirrorless lineup including R, R3, R5, R6, RP models, plus specialized bodies like the Ra and C70. The Nano USM autofocus system provides quick, quiet focusing performance, making this 3.29 × 4.22-inch lens equally capable for both stills and video applications.
Best For: Professional photographers and videographers using Canon mirrorless cameras who need a versatile, high-quality zoom lens with consistent performance across a wide focal range.
Pros:
- Five-stop Image Stabilization system allows for sharp handheld shooting in challenging light conditions
- Constant f/4 aperture throughout the entire zoom range provides consistent exposure and depth of field
- Comprehensive bundle includes valuable accessories like filters, memory card, backpack, and cleaning kit
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to non-L series lenses with similar focal ranges
- Relatively heavy at 4.23 pounds, which may cause fatigue during extended shooting sessions
- As a renewed product, it may not include the original manufacturer’s warranty that comes with brand new items
Canon RF24-105mm F4-7.1 is STM (4111C002)
- Compact, Lightweight and High-Quality RF Lens with a Versatile Zoom Range of 24-105mm*.
- Optical Image Stabilization at up to 5 Stops** of Shake Correction.
- Maximum Magnification of 0.4x and Minimum Focusing Distance of 0.66 ft. in Auto Focus.
Photographers seeking a lightweight, versatile zoom lens for their Canon RF-mount cameras will find exceptional value in the Canon RF24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM. This non-L series lens delivers sharp optics with a generous 24-105mm range (39-168mm equivalent on APS-C) and impressive 5-stop image stabilization. The maximum magnification capabilities of 0.4x (standard) and 0.5x (center focus macro) provide excellent close-up flexibility.
The variable aperture (F4 at wide-angle, narrowing to F7.1 at telephoto) limits low-light performance but contributes to the lens’s compact form factor. You’ll appreciate its lightweight design when paired with bodies like the EOS R8, RP, or R5, making it an ideal everyday companion.
Best For: Budget-conscious Canon R-series camera owners looking for a lightweight, versatile zoom lens that offers good image quality and stabilization for everyday photography without breaking the bank.
Pros:
- Lightweight and compact design pairs excellently with Canon R bodies (especially R8, RP, and R5)
- Impressive 5-stop image stabilization and useful macro capabilities (0.5x at center focus)
- Sharp optics and versatile 24-105mm zoom range at a significantly lower price than the L-series equivalent
Cons:
- Limited aperture (F4-7.1) that narrows as you zoom, restricting low-light performance
- Lacks weather sealing and the premium build quality of L-series lenses
- Some quality control issues reported (DOA units, unsealed packaging, missing accessories)
Canon EF 24–105mm f/4L is II USM Lens, Black – 1380C002
- All-new optical design with significant improvements in peripheral brightness.
- High-performance standard zoom lens with constant f/4L aperture and a broad angle of view covering from wide angle to mid-telephoto.
- Air Sphere Coating (ASC) helps to significantly reduce flare and ghosting. Diagonal Angle of View:84°00' - 23° 20'
Serious landscape and event photographers seeking exceptional versatility will find Canon’s EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM an outstanding workhorse lens that delivers consistent performance across its entire zoom range.
The optical design incorporates 17 elements in 12 groups, including 4 glass-molded aspherical lenses, ensuring improved peripheral brightness and reduced distortions. You’ll appreciate the constant f/4 aperture and 10-blade circular diaphragm that creates beautifully soft backgrounds. Image stabilization provides up to 4 stops of shake correction, while the dust- and water-resistant construction withstands harsh shooting conditions. Focusing performance remains impressive with Canon’s ring USM system, offering full-time manual override capability when shooting in AF mode.
Best For: Professional photographers and serious enthusiasts who need a versatile, all-purpose L-series zoom lens that delivers consistent quality from wide-angle to medium telephoto in challenging shooting conditions.
Pros:
- Outstanding optical performance with improved peripheral brightness, reduced distortions, and impressive clarity across the entire 24-105mm zoom range
- Effective 4-stop image stabilization system enables sharp handheld shooting in low-light situations
- Durable, weather-sealed construction with protective fluorine coating on front and rear elements to resist fingerprints, dust, and moisture
Cons:
- At 8.4 ounces (actually significantly heavier in reality), the lens is relatively bulky for travel photography or extended handheld shooting sessions
- The constant f/4 maximum aperture, while consistent, doesn’t provide the low-light capability or background separation of faster f/2.8 zooms
- Premium L-series quality comes with a correspondingly premium price point that may be difficult to justify for casual photographers
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L USM Lens for Canon EOS SLR Cameras
- 24-105mm standard zoom lens with f/4 maximum aperture for Canon EOS SLR cameras
- 1 Super UD glass element and 3 aspherical lenses minimize chromatic aberration and distortion
- Ring-type USM system delivers silent but quick autofocus (AF); full-time manual focus
The versatile Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L USM lens stands as the ideal choice for photographers seeking a single, high-quality zoom that covers the most commonly used focal lengths. This L-series optic delivers tack-sharp images wide open with excellent contrast, featuring one Super UD element and three aspherical lenses for superior optical performance.
At 670g, it’s well-balanced despite being slightly front-heavy on entry-level bodies. The 3-stop image stabilization system effectively compensates for camera shake, while the weather-sealed construction guarantees reliability in challenging conditions. You’ll appreciate the quick, quiet USM autofocus and consistent f/4 aperture throughout the zoom range, making this an exceptional all-purpose lens for everything from landscapes to portraits.
Best For: Enthusiast and professional photographers seeking a versatile, high-quality, all-in-one lens for travel, events, portraits, and landscapes where consistent image quality is more important than the widest possible aperture.
Pros:
- Excellent optical quality with tack-sharp images, great contrast, and consistent performance throughout the 24-105mm zoom range
- Professional-grade L-series build with weather sealing, smooth zoom/focus rings, and included lens hood and pouch
- Effective 3-stop image stabilization system helps capture sharp images in lower light conditions
Cons:
- Fixed f/4 aperture limits shallow depth of field effects and low-light performance compared to f/2.8 zoom alternatives
- Relatively heavy at 670g (23.6 ounces), creating a front-heavy feel on entry-level camera bodies
- Autofocus motor noise can be problematic when recording video, and occasional AF inconsistencies have been reported
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Camera Lens 24-105mm
Selecting the ideal 24-105mm lens requires careful evaluation of several critical technical specifications that directly impact photographic performance and user experience. Mount compatibility serves as the primary consideration, as photographers must verify physical and electronic integration with their specific camera system before evaluating secondary factors. Additional technical aspects warranting thorough examination include aperture range variations (affecting light gathering capabilities and depth of field control), image stabilization effectiveness (measured in f-stops of compensation), weight specifications (particularly relevant for extended shooting sessions), and the correlation between investment level and optical performance metrics.
Mount Compatibility
Choosing appropriate mount compatibility stands as a critical foundation when selecting a 24-105mm lens, determining not only physical attachment capabilities but also electronic communication between lens and camera body. The flange focal distance, which varies between 16.5mm (for mirrorless systems) and 44mm (for DSLR systems), dictates whether a lens will physically fit without adapters. Mount diameter, ranging from 44mm (Canon EF) to 55mm (Nikon Z), affects the optical engineering possibilities and image quality potential.
Electronic contacts, typically numbering between 8-12 depending on mount system, enable essential data transmission for exposure settings, image stabilization coordination, and autofocus functionality. Photographers moving between camera systems should consider native mount options first, as adapted lenses often sacrifice autofocus speed by 40-60% and may lose weather sealing integrity at the connection point.
Aperture Range Differences
Understanding aperture range differences represents a foundational consideration when evaluating 24-105mm lenses, as these variations directly impact both technical performance and creative possibilities.
Constant aperture lenses, maintaining f/4 throughout the zoom range, deliver consistent exposure and low-light performance across all focal lengths. Variable aperture alternatives (typically f/4-7.1) sacrifice light-gathering capability at telephoto ends, reducing low-light versatility by approximately 1.5 stops.
Maximum aperture width greatly influences depth of field control and bokeh quality, with wider apertures (f/4) producing more pronounced background separation than narrower maximums (f/7.1). The full aperture range (e.g., f/4-f/22) determines creative flexibility, with wider ranges enabling both shallow-focus portraiture and deep-focus landscape work. Image stabilization requirements correlate directly with aperture limitations, as narrower maximum apertures necessitate more aggressive stabilization (typically 1-2 additional stops) to maintain equivalent handheld performance.
Image Stabilization Capabilities
Image stabilization technology represents a direct complement to aperture capabilities, as photographers must balance both factors when shooting in challenging light conditions. Modern 24-105mm lenses incorporate sophisticated optical stabilization systems that provide between 3 to 5 stops of shake correction, enabling sharper images at considerably slower shutter speeds.
Premium models in this category offer up to 5 stops of stabilization effectiveness, allowing photographers to shoot handheld at shutter speeds as slow as 1/4 second where normally 1/125 would be required. This performance metric translates directly to practical advantages when photographing in dim environments without a tripod. Each stop effectively doubles the exposure time without introducing motion blur—transforming what would be unusable images into commercially viable results. When evaluating stabilization capabilities, independent testing results provide more reliable performance metrics than manufacturer claims.
Weight and Portability
The physical mass of a 24-105mm lens represents one of the most consequential yet frequently overlooked factors in daily photography ergonomics, influencing both shooting comfort and practical portability. Models within this versatile focal range exhibit substantial weight variation, spanning from lightweight options at approximately 0.24 kg to professional-grade variants exceeding 1.9 kg. Photographers requiring extended handheld shooting sessions benefit greatly from selecting units under 0.7 kg, which minimize fatigue while maintaining optical performance.
Dimensional considerations further impact transportability, with compact designs measuring 3-4 inches in diameter and length fitting standard camera bags without requiring dedicated storage solutions. Weight distribution across the lens body affects balance when mounted, particularly with heavier specimens surpassing 1 kg, which may provide stability advantages despite their increased mass limiting mobility in dynamic shooting environments.
Price Vs Performance
When evaluating 24-105mm lenses, price-to-performance ratio emerges as a critical metric that determines long-term value beyond initial acquisition costs. Premium models justify their higher prices through advanced image stabilization systems (up to 5 stops), constant apertures that maintain consistent exposure across the zoom range, and weather-resistant construction that guarantees reliability in adverse conditions.
Performance advantages in higher-priced lenses manifest through faster, quieter autofocus systems that deliver precise results in dynamic shooting scenarios. These technical enhancements directly impact image quality and operational efficiency during professional use. Conversely, budget-conscious photographers should consider refurbished options, which can deliver comparable performance at cost reductions of up to 50% while maintaining essential features like effective autofocus and sharp optics. This alternative procurement strategy maximizes performance relative to investment without compromising on critical technical specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do Third-Party 24-105MM Lenses Compare to Canon’s Offerings?
Third-party 24-105mm lenses from manufacturers like Sigma and Tamron often provide comparable optical performance to Canon’s L-series offerings at lower price points. Sigma’s Art series, in particular, delivers similar sharpness metrics and color rendition while typically costing 30-40% less. Canon’s lenses generally maintain advantages in autofocus speed, weather sealing, and build quality. Image stabilization technology in Canon lenses typically provides 5-stops of compensation versus 4-stops in most third-party alternatives.
What’s the Weight Difference Between RF and EF 24-105MM Lenses?
The RF 24-105mm lenses tip the scales dramatically lighter than their EF counterparts, creating a noticeable difference when carried all day. Canon’s RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM weighs 700g, approximately 95g lighter than the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM at 795g. The RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM, weighing just 395g, offers an even more significant weight reduction, making it nearly half the weight of its professional EF equivalent.
Can These Lenses Be Used for Astrophotography or Macro Photography?
24-105mm lenses can be used for astrophotography and macro photography, though with limitations. For astrophotography, these lenses offer versatile focal lengths but typically have maximum apertures of f/4, which gather less light than specialized f/2.8 or wider alternatives. For macro work, most 24-105mm lenses achieve only 0.24x-0.3x magnification ratios, considerably below the 1:1 reproduction ratio of dedicated macro lenses. Extension tubes or close-up filters can improve near-focus capabilities.
How Has Canon Improved the 24-105MM Lens Design Since 2020?
Canon has enhanced its 24-105mm lens design through several technical advancements since 2020. The RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM II features improved optical stabilization (8 stops vs. 5 stops), enhanced weather-sealing, reduced focus breathing, and superior chromatic aberration control. Canon introduced Nano USM technology for smoother, quieter autofocus performance while reducing weight by approximately 110g. The newer models also incorporate specialized lens coatings that greatly minimize flare and ghosting in challenging lighting conditions.
Are There Significant Image Quality Differences Between F/4 and F/4-7.1 Versions?
The f/4 constant aperture versions deliver substantially superior image quality compared to variable f/4-7.1 models, particularly at longer focal lengths. The constant f/4 lenses maintain consistent sharpness throughout the zoom range, exhibit less chromatic aberration (typically <1.5px vs >2.2px), and produce smoother bokeh with 9-rounded aperture blades versus 7 in variable models. Corner sharpness at 105mm reaches 85% center resolution in f/4 models versus approximately 68% in variable aperture versions.
